Crackdown on Offshore Gambling: Philippines Repatriates Hundreds of Chinese Nationals Amid POGO Ban
In a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies in the Philippines and China, over 30 Chinese citizens engaged in offshore online casino gaming operations were repatriated to mainland China on Thursday. This marked the fourth such operation since the Philippines initiated significant changes to its online gaming framework earlier this year.
Context of Repatriation
According to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Manila, the recent operation aligns with the Philippines’ announcement this July that all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) must cease operations by the end of 2024. The embassy emphasized its commitment to continue strengthening law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines to ensure the orderly repatriation of individuals involved in POGO activities while safeguarding the rights of Chinese citizens.
Government Statements
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s stance on POGOs during his State of the Nation Address. He indicated that the gambling operations would be replaced by a new licensing structure under Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs), effectively shutting down the existing POGO system.
The Chinese embassy previously described the ban on POGOs as a “welcome development,” citing that Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling, thereby echoing long-standing concerns over illegal gaming activities.
Repatriation Statistics
The repatriation process has seen significant numbers this year, with Thursday’s operation bringing the total to approximately 360 Chinese citizens returned to China since the initiation of the POGO ban. The Chinese embassy updated its figures in statements issued throughout the year, including in August, September, and recently a week ago.
Future of Online Gaming in the Philippines
Philippine authorities have committed to taking action against any remaining underground POGO operations. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured the public that the government would actively pursue such operations, indicating the persistence of POGOs even as the ban comes into effect. “Guerrilla (POGO) operations will (still) flourish but we will go after them,” he stated, addressing concerns about the potential continuation of illegal gaming activities by 2025.
Furthermore, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) revealed that by December 15, licenses for the remaining POGOs would be officially revoked. Only seven POGOs currently maintain “active Pagcor licenses,” a staggering reduction from the more than 300 licenses issued prior to the ban.
Conclusion
As the Philippines moves towards a future without POGOs, the collaborative efforts with Chinese authorities underscore ongoing international cooperation to tackle the illegal gambling industry. The commitment from both sides to uphold law and order while repatriating citizens illustrates the seriousness with which the two nations are approaching the matter.
This repatriation highlights the significant shift in the gaming landscape in the Philippines and could pave the way for new regulatory measures as the government aims for a more sustainable and legally compliant gaming environment.